I am torn between being "good" and sticking to my eating and exercise plan and just "going with the flow". I was invited out to lunch today, dinner this evening and dinner again tomorrow night. I love eating at great restaurants, and spending time with my family and friends. I more or less become a hermit in the winter months, so this is a real treat for me, and I'm feeling more social than I have in a while.
Trouble is, I tend to "give myself free reign" when eating at a restaurant, sure have the bread, sure split a dessert. It's tough. But I don't think anyone looks back on their life and says to themselves..."I think I ate too many desserts".
And the salmon with hoisin sauce was yummy.
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Hey Coley,
I recently came across your Blog, and you talked about your thoughts on volunteering. If you want to volunteer, it's not hard, and you certainly don't need to go the whole self-aggrandizing, "three cheers for me" route you had second thoughts about. I don't know whether you live in or near a big city, if so, many have an organization called City Cares that act as a clearinghouse. There is also a national web site called "Volunteer Match" that links to many opportunities in most metropolitan areas.
If you live in a smaller area, here are some opportunities to check out on your own. Most elementary schools are desperate for people to volunteer a couple hours a week to work with non and under achieving kids. If there is an assisted living, senior care, or nursing home in the area, it is very sad how many residents get no visitors at all. Go in and read the paper to someone, bring your camera and offer to take pictures of them to send to their family, bring stamps and stationary and offer to help them write letters or offer to take them out shopping or to a beauty parlor or barber shop. If you have a sweet pet, see if it's OK to bring it in to visit with a resident. Speaking of pets, most Humane Societies and animal shelters are desperate for help – if nothing else someone to just be with some of the animals.
In some areas there are groups that volunteer to help clean up city parks and recreation areas (if there isn't one, consider starting one by contacting a near by house of worship or neighborhood association - it's great way to meet new friends).
Another helpful activity is to volunteer, along with four or five friends, to help a disabled or elderly poor person fix up, clean up or plant low maintenance flowers in their yard. There may be existing groups, or again utilize nearby congregations or neighborhood organizations.
Since you have a background in banking, offer to help someone with a financial plan, taxes, part D Medicare or anything that involves analytical reading and understanding of printed forms. If you have other skills, many centers are desperate for people to volunteer to come in and teach classes in almost anything.
If you relegate this to your "ONE OF THESE DAYS I'M GOING TO . . ." you will always regret it.
Sorry for sounding so preachy, but now is the time to try something. Feel free to contact me if you want additional ideas or just need a bit more encouragement.
Good luck, and you go girl!
Bob
wow. Bob, I really appreicate that and your comment about NOT relegating that to "ONE OF THESE DAYS..."
I live in what I would call a meduim sized city, so I'll do some surfing and looking in the phone book to see what I can come up with.
Thank you so much for taking the time to comment with those inspiring suggestions. I think this is one of those things that's likely simpler than I'd thought. I just tend to be shy, and having to do most things on my own, well, it's a struggle. (still, that's no excuse) besides, as you said, I can make new friends!!
Hi,
One additional thought (I try not to have too many thoughts in one day - it gets in the way of creativity and whimsy).
When most people decide to "get involved with others and make a difference" it can easily become one of those noble quests that are all "purity of intention and stifling sincerity." Belief it or not, as trite and as hackneyed as it sounds, if you do this well you really will get at least as much out of it as you put in, and probably more.
The secret is not to look for a noble quest, but something that makes you grin! Sort of a "Wow, I can't believe they actually appreciate me doing this - this is so cool!" Noble quests have very short lives - think: I'm gonna really clean the house more often", "I'm gonna exercise regularly", "Lose weight, quit smoking etc" If your only reward is purity of intent, it won't last. What you want is something that gratifies and rewards yourself as well as others.
The other thing to remember is, if you get involved in something and it really isn't working out for you, try something new. We really don't get many points in life for being miserable and overwhelmed.
Is Coley a first name, last name or a secret code?
Let me know if any of this works out for you! Bob
I get it...start with something I already like, like gardening or cooking. hmmm..
thanks!
Coley is actually a name my younger sisters called me when they were small. It was their version of my name, which is Nicole. They are now in their 20's and still call me that though.
I'm down 3 pounds this past week, so I think sharing dessert has mojo.
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